A HUGE jobs boost for the region has moved a step closer after yesterday's announcement that £4.5 million of European cash is earmarked for Leigh's futuristic Snowdome.

But already moves are afoot by objectors to try to get the EC to reverse its decision.

Latest estimates by Wigan Council predict that more than 2,000 permanent jobs could be created and four million visitors a year would visit the Xanadu centre if it gets the planning go-ahead.

Planners are expected to take until February before they make a decision on the £150 million high-tech project.

But council bosses have welcomed the news that the scheme has been awarded millions of pounds in the form of an EC grant - subject to planning permission.

A spokesman for Wigan council said the EC grant was "an important vote of confidence" in the Xanadu project.

Wigan council leader Cllr Peter Smith said: "This is great news for the borough just in time for Christmas. We and our partners have worked hard on these bids which will be good for jobs and tourism.

"The success of our Xanadu bid sends out a very clear message to potential commercial investors that the dream can become a reality.

"It's a big vote of confidence in the technical excellence of the scheme and in Leigh as the right location."

But nearby residents have greeted the Euro cash award with dismay. People living in Hope Carr and Pennington have already expressed fears about increased pollution if the Snowdome eventually opens.

Chris Maile, a spokesman for the Residents Against Xanadu action group, said the group is going to ask the EC development committee to reverse its decision.

He added: "This proposed development is totally against the wishes of the residents.

"We will make representations to the EC development committee asking them to reverse their decision.

"We had an inkling that the cash was going to be awarded so we're not as shocked as we may have been.

"This is only £4.5 million of a £150 million total. It's a relative drop in the ocean and we do not consider this to be the end of the road."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.